A Season to Savour: Your Summer Guide to Stamford with Gladwell & Patterson

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As the long days of summer unfold, there’s a special kind of atmosphere that takes hold of our gallery in Stamford. Sunlight lingers in the windows, our coffee turns to iced and the gallery doors stay open a little longer. This season, we're embracing the vibrant energy of summer with a curated selection of exhibitions and events that reflect the colour and creativity of the months ahead.

Wandering the streets of Stamford in summer is a pleasure in itself – golden stone buildings, flower-laced shopfronts and bustling cafés all set the scene for a slower pace of life. Gladwell & Patterson, nestled in the heart of this historic town and just on the corner of Red Lion Square, offers a moment of calm and reflection for anyone passing through. Each floor of our gallery offers a distinctive experience which are regularly rehung, ensuring there is always something new to discover and a fresh narrative to explore. Visitors will find our rooms brimming with works that celebrate light, texture and seasonality. From coastal scenes and sunlit gardens to beautifully still interiors, the gallery is a space where art feels not only timeless but timely – reflective of the world just outside our windows.

Our Summer Exhibition at Gladwell's Corner

Kenneth Webb: Kaleidoscope

This summer, our major event in Stamford is the highly anticipated exhibition Kenneth Webb: Kaleidoscope, a truly poignant and momentous exhibition celebrating one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary Irish and British art. This seminal show marks a rare and powerful moment in the artist’s extraordinary career, presenting a vibrant selection of recent paintings alongside a carefully curated collection of masterpieces spanning nearly eight decades. At ninety-eight years old, Kenneth Webb remains a living legend. His work is a dazzling testament to a lifelong passion for transforming nature, memory and myth into emotive, evocative compositions.

Our relationship with Kenneth is one built on decades of mutual respect and artistic trust. Since his early exhibitions with Gladwell & Patterson in the 1980s, Kenneth’s work has evolved while retaining an unmistakable sense of wonder, a quality that has enchanted generations. Kaleidoscope encapsulates this journey, bringing together works that reveal his rich visual language and the emotional depth that defines his art.

Part of Kenneth’s Dystopian Series, Revelation stands out as a deeply moving and visionary piece. Created during a time when Kenneth was separated from his beloved Connemara landscape, this painting is shaped by longing, memory, and a profound spiritual presence. The luminous palette of lilac, rose, amber and cobalt bathes the familiar bogland in otherworldly hues. The dark, saturated earth appears to dissolve beneath a sky swirling with passion and prophecy, evoking a sense of mystery and transcendence. During the creation of Revelation, Kenneth glimpsed what he believed to be the face of Danu, the Celtic goddess of earth and water, emerging momentarily in the heavens before dissolving back into abstraction. This fleeting vision imbues the painting with a deeper mythic meaning.

Kaleidoscope is both a celebration and a farewell – an invitation to witness the culmination of a life devoted to colour, beauty, and the lyrical Irish landscape. It honours Kenneth Webb’s remarkable legacy and offers an unforgettable experience for all who encounter his visionary art. We are profoundly honoured to host this ultimate chapter in Kenneth Webb’s artistic journey and look forward to welcoming you to Stamford from 3 - 25 July 2025, and 5 Beauchamp Place from 4 - 29 August 2025, for what promises to be an inspiring and deeply moving exhibition. Ahead of the exhibition, you can explore the collection online at gladwellpatterson.com, or browse our digital catalogue here.

Discover Stamford Beyond the Gallery

While visiting Kenneth Webb: Kaleidoscope will undoubtedly be the highlight of your trip, there’s so much more to explore in and around Stamford. From stately homes and scenic walks to independent shops and cosy cafés, there’s plenty to see and savour beyond the gallery walls.

If you’re planning a visit to Stamford and the surrounding Lincolnshire area, local blogger Molly Warren – the creative mind behind prettylittlestamford on Instagram – is the one to follow. Known for her beautifully curated content, Molly shares honest reviews, stunning imagery and insider tips on the very best spots in the region. For food and drink, she recommends Milly’s Bistro at The William Cecil for elegant small plates and cocktails on the terrace, Pizza da Mario for a laid-back bite in the heart of town and The Mad Turk for a transportive Turkish dining experience in a gorgeous outdoor setting. For brunch or coffee, Stamford Country Lounge and Fika come highly praised. For a cultural fix or something a little more relaxing, Molly suggests the charming boutique hotel and outdoor spa at The Barnsdale, countryside walks from Picks Barn (best rounded off with coffee and cake), and a day out exploring the house and gardens of Burghley House. For a touch of summer magic, catch a show at the open-air Tolethorpe Theatre, or delve into the town’s rich past with a walking tour from Stamford Sights and Secrets or Stamford Town Guided Tours. With Molly’s expert guidance, you’ll be sure to uncover the very best of this picturesque corner of the country.

Photographs courtesy of Molly Warren, @prettylittlestamford on Instagram.

Exploring Burghley House & Outdoor Art Installation: Botanic Tapestry

A trip to the magnificent Burghley House is an absolute must. Just a short drive from the gallery, you’ll find this grand Elizabethan estate and its expansive parkland, currently offering a perfect extension to your art-filled weekend where creativity spills beyond the walls and into the landscape itself.

On show in the gardens through summer is Botanic Tapestry, a bold and uplifting outdoor art installation created by artist duo Graphic Rewilding. We were thrilled to be invited to the opening of this exhibition, and it was unlike anything we’ve experienced in a historic garden setting. Towering botanical flags ripple through the air, their oversized florals and buzzing insects catching the light and breathing movement into the landscape. The effect is at once playful and poetic, transforming Burghley’s already beautiful grounds into a living gallery of colour and texture.

Video courtesy of Burghley House, @burghleyhouse on Instagram.

In the spring, the flags formed a grand processional route through the rarely opened South Gardens, whilst later in the summer the installation will move into the Sculpture Garden, where it expands along the lakeside with new works and fresh perspectives. What makes Botanic Tapestry so special is its ability to connect people to the landscape in a new, energising way.

If you're planning a visit to Burghley and looking to explore its remarkable grounds, it's well worth discovering what’s in store through the lens of architectural photographer Gary Curtis, known on Instagram as @theoldbuilding. Gary has beautifully captured the elegance and atmosphere of Burghley in a series of stunning images that offer a unique perspective on its historic architecture, gardens, and wider landscape. His photographs provide a thoughtful visual preview, helping you plan what to look out for, and inspiring you to experience the sights in person with fresh eyes. Beyond Burghley, Gary’s work extends across Stamford and further afield, celebrating the charm and character of buildings both grand and modest. His photography offers a refined and immersive exploration of architectural heritage, making his portfolio a compelling resource for anyone with a love of place, design and storytelling.

Photographs courtesy of Gary Curtis, @theoldbuilding on Instagram.

In the Heart of the Countryside: Nevill Holt Festival

If you’re in the area this June, we highly recommend making a day (or two) of it with a visit to the Nevill Holt Festival, just a short drive from Stamford. Set in the grounds of a beautiful country estate, the festival is a highlight of the region’s cultural calendar – a joyful blend of opera, classical music, jazz, theatre and talks, all held within the elegant courtyard and gardens of Nevill Holt Hall.

This year’s visual art programme is headlined by world-renowned artist Chila Burman, whose vibrant exhibition Love Memoirs will run throughout the festival. Nevill Holt has also invited leading contemporary gallery Saatchi Yates to curate a special room within the Hall. Festivalgoers will have the chance to view a striking selection of works by Benjamin Spiers, Danny Fox, Rachel Zhang and Will St. John during designated viewing times – a brilliant opportunity to discover fresh perspectives in an intimate, historic setting.

Having exhibited at the festival in the past, we know how special it is – a place where the arts come together in the most magical of settings.

Photographs courtesy of Nevill Holt Festival, @nevillholtfestival on Instagram.

Where to Stay in and Around Stamford

Pettifer's Loft

We are pleased to recommend Pettifer’s Loft, a trusted and beautifully considered place to stay in the heart of Stamford. The property is owned by Little Glenn, who works closely with Graham and co-owner of Gladwell & Patterson, Glenn, at the nearby Mr Molecey's Marvellous Mill, the hosting grounds for our pop-up exhibition and sculpture trails. This connection, paired with the exceptional quality of the accommodation, makes it a natural choice for those seeking somewhere special.

Formerly an ironmongery and gun shop dating back to the 16th century, the building has been thoughtfully and imaginatively restored to create a residence of both character and comfort. The loft features a generous open-plan living space and kitchen, a private balcony, and two bespoke bedrooms with king-size beds and en-suite bathrooms. Elegant, well-appointed, and ideally located for exploring both Stamford and the surrounding countryside, it offers an ideal base for a cultured and restful stay.

Photographs courtesy of Pettifer's Loft, @pettifersloft on Instagram.

Mr Molecey's Marvellous Mill, @moleceymill

Molecey. Just one word. An unusual and very distinctive one. A family name, which is now after centuries of use firmly connected to one place, a magical and exciting out of this world place.

Just a short drive from Stamford lies Molecey Mill near Market Deeping – a place so striking it may well prompt a sudden stop for a better look. Nestled in tranquil surroundings and framed by calm waters and mature trees, this Georgian gem offers an unforgettable glimpse of English country elegance. The grounds are a haven of charm, complete with winding waterways, a whimsical 'Fairy Glen' and its own 'Wishing Tree,' ancient canals and even a dovecote that once housed 2,000 doves.

For those wishing to linger a little longer, there are several inviting options for an overnight stay: the elegant Granary, the beautifully restored Molecey House or the charming, self-contained one-bedroom retreat known as The Duck House.

Photographs courtesy of Molecey Mill, @moleceymill on Instagram.

Join Us in Stamford This Season

Whether you’re visiting for an exhibition, a countryside retreat, or simply to soak up the beauty of Stamford and its surroundings, this region offers a rich and rewarding escape in every sense. With its perfect blend of art, culture, heritage and hospitality, summer here unfolds at a gentler pace – filled with meaningful encounters, memorable sights and a deep appreciation for beauty in all its forms. We look forward to welcoming you to the gallery and hope your time in Stamford is as inspiring and restorative as the landscapes and stories that await you.

To help you make the most of your visit, we’ve included a map of Stamford from the latest edition of The Little Book of Stamford – a beautifully curated insider’s guide to the town’s independent gems, hidden corners and must-visit spots. Whether you’re planning your first trip or returning for more, this pocket-sized companion is a wonderful resource for discovering all that Stamford has to offer. You can also explore the digital version here, perfect for plotting your route and uncovering new favourites along the way.